Page 39 of Bronco

She nods, tears pricking her vision. “Thank you, Amber, for everything.”

I smile softly. “Thank you for believing we could do it.”

“What will become of us?” she asks softly.

I squeeze her hand. “I don’t know, but we have to believe it’s better than all of this.”

She closes her eyes and for the first time in a long time, I feel safe. Ironic, really.

On a bus to who-knows-where with no money and no place to land, and it already feels like the weight has been lifted. Charlie drove us to the bus station and wished us well. He was our savior. He even pitched in money for the bus tickets because we wouldn’t have enough to buy food. I know we’ll get through whatever hurdles come our way because nothing,nothing,could ever be as bad as what we’ve been through.

Present day

I stare at the Amazon package, confused with what I don’t remember ordering. I’ve drunkenly bought stuff before in the past and forgot about it until said mysterious items showed up a few days later, but as I unearth the stack of books, I frown. They’re romance books; the only kind I read, but I don’t have a wish list or anything… then I see the note.

So, you said that vanilla is considered boring in your smutty little books. I hope this proves you wrong… On the other hand, I could be offending a whole legion of smuttybook nerds… I guess you’ll let me know if my theory is correct. B x

I start laughing as I sit on the floor and take out the stack of beautiful books — each a unique mix of covers from bare-chested men on the front, couples embracing, cartoon couples and floral arrangements. I shake my head in disbelief.

“You ass,” I mutter. Pulling out my cell, I text Bronco.

Me

I know what you’re doing with the vanilla thing, and I’d like to point out that you brought it up

A few moments later, I receive Bronco’s reply.

Bronco

I know I did, and you said it was boring

Me

I said no hero has ever said he’s gonna give the heroine good old plain, boring vanilla

Bronco

Didn’t I say vanilla with dark chocolate on top? Some men don’t need theatrics, that was my point

Me

Thank you for the books

Bronco

I’ll have you know I spent a lot of time researching heroes with a conscience

Me

I’ve never heard of such a thing

Bronco

That’s because you read Haunting Adeline for kicks

Me

Hey! How do you know what Haunting Adeline is?

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